Commentary on Esther 6:6

Verse Context: The Book of Esther is a historical narrative situated in the Persian Empire during a time when the Jewish people were threatened with annihilation. Esther 6:6 captures a pivotal moment in the story, where Haman, having schemed against Mordecai, stands before the king to discuss his plans, unaware of the imminent reversal of his fortunes.

Text of Esther 6:6

"So Haman came in, and the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honor more than to myself?"

Commentary Overview

The verse serves as a critical turning point, highlighting themes of pride, fate, and divine providence. Public domain commentaries from respected theologians provide profound insights that can benefit pastors, students, and scholars alike.

1. The Scheming of Haman

According to Matthew Henry, Haman's entrance into the king's court is laden with irony. He, consumed by ambition and vanity, believes himself deserving of recognition. This highlights a fundamental flaw in human nature—self-exaltation can lead to one's downfall.

• Pride as a Downfall: Haman’s inflated ego blinds him to the truth that the king’s favor is not guaranteed for him, showcasing how arrogance can distort perception.
• Deceptive Intentions: The king’s question serves as a catalyst for the events to unfold, indicating that even in positions of power, there can be an unseen hand directing outcomes.

2. The King's Intent

Albert Barnes presents a keen observation regarding the king’s inquiry. The question posed—“What shall be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honor?”—is not mere small talk; it reveals the king’s desire to promote virtue and reward loyalty.

• A Test of Character: The king’s language implies he seeks to honor a worthy individual, thus creating a tension inherent to the narrative, as Haman is oblivious to the true identity of this honorable man.
• Reflection of Divine Justice: This scenario mirrors the workings of divine justice, where God raises the humble and abases the proud, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.

3. Haman's Self-Deception

As Adam Clarke elaborates, Haman’s immediate assumption that the king's question pertains to him reveals a profound self-deception. Clarke notes that this demonstrates a key characteristic of pride—an expectation of entitlement that blinds one to reality.

• Expectation and Reality: Haman’s internal dialogue—“To whom would the king delight to do honor more than to myself?”—speaks to his self-centered worldview, which ultimately leads to his tragic downfall.
• Foreshadowing: The irony of his thoughts sets the stage for the reversal of fortunes, skillfully orchestrated by God, who often turns the plans of the wicked against them.

Theological Implications

This passage underscores significant theological principles that resonate throughout Christian doctrine:

• The Sovereignty of God: The unseen hand of God is at work in the affairs of man, illustrating that human pride does not thwart divine plans.
• The Danger of Pride: Haman’s arrogance serves as a cautionary reminder of the perils of pride, a common biblical theme that warns against exalting oneself.
• Redemptive Narrative: The unfolding events highlight God’s providential care for His people; despite their vulnerability, God’s plans for deliverance remain intact.

Conclusion

Esther 6:6 serves not only as a narrative pivot but as a theological tapestry interwoven with themes of pride, justice, and divine providence. Insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke reveal the multifaceted elements of this verse and stand as guiding principles for those in ministry and scholarship.

In interpreting this passage, pastors and theologians are encouraged to reflect on the nature of humility before God, recognizing that true honor comes from serving others rather than seeking personal accolades.